Breakfast with Kim

Bernice

Bernice is at it again. I really struggle with her. This morning she was recruiting for Breakfast with Liz on Saturday, September 10. I tried to sign up and was told it's just for "Red Hatters" and that I couldn't attend. What is that all about? It sounds like discrimination to me! I really think she doesn't like me because I'm an Iowa State Cyclone fan!

If I can't have breakfast with Liz, I'm going to throw my own breakfast meeting. I'm officially announcing Breakfast with Kim! My breakfast meeting will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 9:00 AM at Panera's NE. You've heard it here first. Tell a friend and join me for coffee. I'm depending on my blog readers to get the word out.

Bring a favorite book or a passage of Scripture that God has been using in your life. Men, let's not let Bernice and those "Red Hatters" have all the fun! Get the word out and join me for Breakfast with Kim! Leave a comment here on my blog if you plan to attend.

Creating Space For Life

Oscillation

I'm enjoying the book, The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The premise of the book is that managing energy, not time, is the key to high performance and personal renewal. Full engagement requires cultivating a dynamic balance between the expenditure of energy and the renewal of energy physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The authors call this oscillation, and it represents the fundamental pulse of life. Nature itself has a pulse, a rhythmic movement between activity and rest. The ebb and flow of the ocean tides, the change of seasons, and the daily rising and setting of the sun create the rhythms of life. So too, human beings are guided by rhythms. Our breathing, brain waves, body temperature, heart rates, hormone levels and blood pressure all have rhythmic patterns.

Our 24/7, always on, western society has pushed us to perform at unsustainable levels without adequate rest or recovery. Our propensity to live "linear" lives ignores our need for recovery and leads to unproductive levels of stress. "Sounds become music in the spaces between notes, just as words are created by the spaces between the letters. It is in the spaces between work that love, friendship, depth and dimension are nurtured. Without time for recovery, our lives become a blur of doing, unbalanced by much opportunity for being."

I'm learning to build in more frequent times of recovery during my day. It's not easy, but I'm learning to be more in tune with my rhythms. Taking time to talk to family and friends, listen to music, eat lunch or a healthy snack, reflect, pray, create, blog or read help recharge my physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energy reserves.

Our equipping staff and families enjoyed a great time of relaxation and refreshment tonight at the Eade's home. It was so relaxing to sit with friends I love and to enjoy the beautiful evening! Click on the picture at the top of this blog article to see a short slideshow of our evening.

Living a healthy, productive and fully engaged life requires careful attention to how I expend and recover energy. I want the second half of my life to be more successful than the first half. I want to create space for life!

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3a

Guard Your Heart

Super Mario

Does this man look dangerous? Of course not! We know him as the beloved Mario from the Nintendo video games. Many of our children grew up on Mario, just like those of my generation grew up with Captain Kangaroo and Dr. Max. Surely Mario means no harm.

Although Mario is a rather harmless character, other video games are filled with first-person violence that is disturbing, and we are finding, dangerous. Based on an examination of the research that shows the negative influences of violence in interactive media on youth, the American Psychological Association (APA) today adopted a resolution recommending that all violence be reduced in video games Additionally, the APA also encourages parents, educators and health care providers to help youth make more informed choices about which games to play.

Here is a portion of their report.

The policy decision, made by the APA Council of Representatives, was adopted at the recommendation of a special Committee on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media of the Media Psychology Division of APA, which reviewed the research indicating that exposure to violence in video games increases aggressive thoughts, aggressive behavior, and angry feelings among youth. In addition, this exposure reduces helpful behavior and increases physiological arousal in children and adolescents.

Research on media violence also revealed, that perpetrators go unpunished 73 percent of the time in all violent scenes. “Showing violent acts without consequences teach youth that violence is an effective means of resolving conflict. Whereas, seeing pain and suffering as a consequence can inhibit aggressive behavior”, says psychologist Elizabeth Carll, PhD, co-chair of the Committee on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media.

Studies on learning also show that active participation may influence learning more than passive observation. “Violence in video games appear to have similar negative effects as viewing violence on TV, but may be more harmful because of the interactive nature of video games," says Dr. Elizabeth Carll, who is a private practitioner in New York and a past president of the Media Division of APA. “Playing video games involves practice, repetition, and being rewarded for numerous acts of violence, which may intensify the learning. This may also result in more realistic experiences which may potentially increase aggressive behavior,” added Carll.

Psychologists are merely discovering the ancient wisdom found in the Scriptures - that there is a direct correlation between what we think about and behavior. In a time of increasing violence, aggressive behavior and a preoccupation with death, followers of Christ need to stand up for life. We need to reaffirm our commitment to bring reconciliation and peace, not division and violence. We need to be careful to guard our hearts.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Seasons of Life

Josh and Jon Then .................... Jon and Josh Now

How quickly time flies. The chill in the air this morning was a reminder that another school season is upon us. It hardly seems possible that nine years ago we sent Josh and Jon off to Kindergarten! And today they are officially high school juniors.

It's time for school to begin. It's time for Josh and Jon to be juniors. It's time for them to move into this new phase of life. And it's time for Sharon and me to move into this new phase with them.

As is our custom on the first day of school, I took Josh and Jon out for breakfast this morning. We are studying through Know What You Believe. But we also talked about the upcoming year and some of their goals. This year will involve college campus visits, learning new responsibilities and taking on new challenges in preparation for graduation.

And then I told them something that brought a lump to my throat and sadness to my heart. I uttered words that I knew had to be said, but had secretly hoped would never come. I told them that one of my jobs as their dad is to help prepare them to leave home. I told them that when the time came for them to leave that they would feel ready to go. And I told them to pray that their dad and mom would be ready too.

When people have asked me if I'm ready for fall, my response has been; "I'm ready for fall, I'm just not certain that I'm ready to be the father of two juniors." But I am looking forward to fall. I love the change of seasons. This is one of the reasons I love living in Iowa. I'm looking forward to the beautiful fall colors, crisp autumn air, Friday night football games, and marching band competitions.

And I'm also ready for a new season of life that is right around the corner for me. This new season comes with its own unique beauty and opportunities. Rather than grieve the loss of what I cannot hold on to forever, I choose to look forward to the future and to enjoy today. Its time. I'm ready for this new season of life to begin.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a

Welcome to Our Community

Moving Crew

Tye, Andrew, Allyson and Morgan arrived today with their two moving vans. Judy and Mackenzie will drive out and join the rest of the family on Wednesday. The Male's were greeted by an energetic moving crew of teens and adults. We ripped into the two vans and had them unloaded in less than one hour. The piano took another 30 minutes to negotiate. I knew there was a reason that I don't play the piano!

It was awesome to see the body of Christ in action today - helping, carrying, unpacking, setting up beds, cooking, and loving. Tye, Judy and family; welcome to our community of faith!

Freedom!

After and Before

Jon got his cast removed today. He now has new freedom of movement and activity. Jon intends to give the new wrist a good work out today at band camp, helping the Male’s unload their moving truck, playing ultimate frisbee, and finally, swimming. Swimming is one thing you can’t do with a cast on!

On the way back from the doctors appointment we talked about how leaders use their acquired influence for the benefit of others. Leaders are called to use their freedom to serve, rather than be served. Freedom can be used for selfish pursuits, or it can be used for the benefit of others. Leaders hear the call of God to use their freedom to serve God's purpose in the lives of people.

How about you? What has God given to you, and how could you use it to serve others? Have you experienced the joy and freedom that accompany serving?

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14

A Bear Tale

Beware of Bear

There are bear everywhere in the Smokies! If you don't watch your step you can find yourself face to face with one of these ferocious creatures. Which is exactly what happened the first day we were in our cabin.

Jason exclaimed that he saw a bear in front of our living room window. We all thought he was joking. That is, until we turned around and looked out the window! There in front of us was a mama bear with her two cubs. I found my camera and opened the door in time to snap off a quick picture as they disappeared into the woods. Fortunately, I escaped with my life and lived to tell this harrowing story of danger and adventure. Click on the picture above to see some of the bears we encountered while in Tennessee. The last picture is of our visiting bear family.

Who Touches the Mountains, and They Smoke

The Smoky Mountains

May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works - he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 104:31-33

The Smokies are as beautiful as people say. Photos don't do them justice. We had a very relaxing family vacation that exceeded our expectations! How often does that happen? Highlights for me included hiking in the Smokies, hanging out as a family in the cabin at night, sleeping in, discussing Knowing What You Believe each evening, taking pictures, reading and time to relax! Click on the picture above to see a slideshow of our vacation. And yes, I did see bear! I narrowly escaped with my life. I'll tell you the rest of the story, complete with pictures, at another time.

Remains of Unidentified Person Found

Hungry Bear

I have been getting some helpful advice on how to protect myself from being attacked by bear.

Park officials are advising hikers, hunters, fishermen and golfers to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the area. People are advised to wear noise-producing devices such as little bells on their clothing to alert but not startle a bear unexpectedly. They also recommend carrying pepper spray in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch for fresh signs of bear activity, and to know the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings. Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in them and smell like pepper spray.

Thanks for thinking of me, but I think I will try a different plan of attack! How about you? What strategies have you found successful in dealing with hungry grizzly bears?

Pastor Attacked By Bear, Unable To Blog For A Week

Smokey Mountains

We leave for our family vacation to the Smokey Mountains on Saturday morning! We hope to hit the road at 6:00 AM and drive to Louisville. We will then drive from Louisville to Townsend, Tennessee on Sunday, where we have rented a cabin for the week. I hope to find a wireless connection somewhere during our trip so I can post some pictures.

If you don't hear from me on this blog during the next week you will know that one of the following happened to me:

• I was attacked by a bear and hospitalized
• I was busy taking pictures on the hiking trail, got lost and my family left me in the forest
• I loved Dollywood so much that Sharon couldn't get me out of the park
• I bought a guitar, began singing country and western music and began my own act
• I was having such a good time on vacation that I completely forgot about blogging!

I'm really looking forward to this time together as family. Jason is able to join us as he has the week off of work. We are going to read and discuss the book, Know What You Believe while we're away. It's not a vacation unless I use my "learner" strength!

The next time I post will be with some pictures of the Smokeys. While I'm gone, leave a comment about your family's summer vacation. I would love to hear from you. Have a great week!

Dare To Be Different!

The Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Have you noticed that every person is uniquely different? We have twin sons born nine minutes apart. They grew up in the same home, in the same environment, with the same brothers and parents. Yet they are unique individuals with different interests, personalities and preferences. And don’t you ever forget it!

If we are so different from one another, why do we try so hard to conform and “fit in?” Why are we so afraid of being different? Why do we look to our exterior world to give us identity and significance? Why are we so concerned with what other people think of us?

Perhaps it’s because we haven’t adequately understood our unique, God-given design. We aren’t comfortable with whom God created us to be in Christ, so we seek out the approval of others. Let’s just stop this nonsense and dare to be different!

Michael Vance, referred to as the Dean of Creativity, has said this: “The more you are like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” God has uniquely fashioned each person for a special purpose.

In the early 90’s the designers at Herman Miller Inc. began to create a new type of office chair. It was designed to fit and interact with the human body in a way that no chair had previously done. Because the human form has no straight lines, it is biomorphic; the new chair was designed to be curvilinear. It was designed to be the most ergonomically correct chair imaginable. There is not one straight line in the Aeron chair.

And how was this new design received? People hated it! Focus groups complained that it was ugly and experts despised it. The Aeron broke the accepted conventions of what a chair should look like. The chair was so new and different that people couldn’t accept its superior design.

Herman Miller persevered and took the Aeron to market in spite of criticism, believing in their unique chair design. Today the Aeron is Herman Millers best selling chair ever. In 1999 the Industrial Designers Society of America named the Aeron chair as one of 36 “Designs of the Decade,” and the only Gold award winner in the furniture category. Others have hailed the Aeron among the best-designed consumer products of the past 100 years. The Aeron chair looks like itself and its unique form expresses its purpose and use. The Aeron is a chair that dared to be different.

How about you? In what areas of your life is God calling you out? Are you seeking to fulfill your God-given design, or do you look to the approval and acceptance of others? Are you willing to stand alone; to go against the flow? Are you willing to create culture; to be a unique, one-of-a-kind design? By God’s grace, let’s dare to be different!

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Sunday Snapshots

Our Beloved Bernice

I think I've met my match. I, more than anyone, am committed to creating space for one more person. But I just don't seem to understand Bernice! She's aloof, hardheaded and difficult to communicate with. I'm sure every church has someone like her. Today she was helping staff the Missions Bake Sale table. I appreciate her heart for missions, but I question her people skills.

It's exciting to be part of a church where God is at work. Here are some snapshots from today:

• The Griffith's were with us and Rick preached.
• Adele Booysen was commissioned. You can read more about Adele and her ministry on her blog.
• Tammany Block was in the lobby to share about her upcoming ministry with the Logos II and Operation Mobilization.
• The Day Campers sang two songs that they learned at camp. They were awesome!
  Pastor Tye taught the lesson in Children's Church. He showed up with his bike, wearing his cycling gear!
• Judy, Morgan and Mackenzie Male drove in from Ohio around noon to join Tye, Andrew and Allyson.
• There was a Reception for Adele and the Griffith's this evening. It was a wonderful time of interaction.

The thing I love about New Covenant is that you never know what to expect when you show up on Sundays. This morning was no exception. Click on the picture above to see a slideshow of all that took place today. Now, if I could just figure out Bernice!

27 Students, Three Sponsors, Two Pastors and One Heart

SEMP Team

Our SEMP Team returned today and shared what God had done in their lives this past week. The Students Equipped To Minister to Peers conference is held annually at Wheaton College and teaches students how to share their faith. During this past week our teens experienced God through worship, serving, listening, writing letters to their friends, sharing and loving.

Our students returned better equipped to share their faith, but God did much more. God not only broke their hearts for the lost, but He also knit their hearts to one another. A transformed heart is a remarkable thing. Words weren't needed to describe what these students and adults experienced this past week. The looks on their faces, the tears in their eyes, and their expressions of affection for one another said it all.

I watched and listened this afternoon as the SEMP Team shared from their hearts. On Saturday, one week ago, they left as friends and acquaintances; today they returned as family. They left as 27 students, three sponsors, and two pastors, and they returned with one heart. Jesus give us your heart for people.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the worker are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38

Living For What's Eternal

Knapp and Storms Towers at ISU

It's official, you can now call me old! Today two of the four beloved Towers were imploded to the ground. Wilson and Knapp Halls were my home at Iowa State from 1969 to 1974. Back in the olden days, the four Towers dormitories were considered "state of the art!" Wilson Hall had just been built the year I moved in. Today, Knapp and Storms were reduced to rubble. Could I possibly be that old? After all, Friley Hall was ancient when I was a student on campus and it's still standing!

If my schedule would have allowed, I would have liked to have been in Ames today to witness this historic occasion. These four halls represented more than a place to sleep and live. The Towers was the place that I met Mark Flage. I was a shy, frightened freshman from a small town in Iowa and Mark invited me to a softball game with some other students. I later learned that Mark was a committed follower of Jesus Christ who was involved with a campus group called The Navigators. Mark became one of my best friends and helped me understand how to walk with God. I tell people that I liked Mark so well, that I decided to marry his sister!

The Towers was the place that I met with other young men for Bible study, learning to search the Scriptures for myself. It's where I learned how to share my faith. It's where I learned how to pray and trust God. It's where I asked God to take my life and use me any way He pleased. It's where I heard God's call to be a builder of men, leaving behind a childhood dream of becoming an architect.

The buildings are gone, but the memories and spiritual foundation that I built while living in the Towers remain. Today I've been reminded again, of the importance of living for what's eternal.

As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another: every one will be thrown down." Mark 13:1-2

Creating Culture

Ancient painting of Jesus on the wall of the catacombs

I’m old enough to remember that any manufactured goods that were stamped “Made in Japan” were considered a cheap imitation, and “Made in the USA” was a mark of quality and pride. The US was the standard by which all other countries were measured. This “great experiment of self-government”, guided by the hand of God, created a country that was the envy of the entire world. How things have changed!

What began as a “shining city on a hill” has become a cheap imitation. We have abandoned our faith and lost our moral compass. We have lost our identity, becoming like the nations around us. Our affluence only masks the cry of our soul.

A life lived apart from God is a life of imitation. To live as a follower of Christ is to live an authentic life, fully alive and fully human. The nation of Israel was deported to Assyria as punishment for their rebellion against God. Their indictment? They had rejected God and had imitated the nations around them. They had become a cheap imitation rather than a light to the nations.

As Christ followers, we are called to transform culture. The early church turned their world upside down. What started out as a small sect of Christians eventually transformed music, art, architecture, education, and literature.

We need to return to this kind of primal faith. We need to follow Jesus into the arts, into the media, into literature, into politics, into the marketplace, into cyber space, and into the church. We need authentic disciples, no imitations or imposters allowed. We need followers of Jesus who have the courage to create culture, not conform to it.

Creative Communication

I found this neat web site that allows you to spell with Flickr photo images. Give it a try, it's a lot of fun! And while you are at it, check out the Human Clock. You can click on "view the clock" and then select analog or digital!

I love creativity! Look at the variety of fonts and graphic styles captured in the letter images. It's a reminder to me of the creativity of God, and that we are fashioned in His image. God loves variety, diversity and creative expression! The entire universe display God's creative nature.

Have you ever thought that we might run out of things to do and say with just 26 letters in the alphabet? After all, there are only 26! Haven't we invented every word possible and put them in every conceivable sentence combination? Or have we? These 26 simple letters can be used in an infinite number of ways to communicate complex ideas, concepts, emotions and intentions. And because we are made in the image of God, we will never run out of new ideas to convey, new emotions to express, and new dreams to communicate. And we do it all with just 26 letters!

How about you? How is God's creative design evident in your life? What is He trying to say through you?

Real Men Eat Steak

Ray, the Grill Meister

The charcoal was white hot, the beef was center cut, and the speaker was top notch. The Annual Men's Steak Out provided nourishment for the body as well as the soul. I especially enjoyed having Josh, Jon, Lucas and one of their friends with me tonight.

Carl Gonder shared about how God has used failures in his life to help him grow. In a time of true confession, Carl admitted that he brought chicken to grill instead of steak! And in a moment of contrition, he promised to bring beef next year. Carl challenged the young men and old alike, to not fear failure. He encouraged us to move beyond our comfort zones and to take steps of faith.

Every man knows that there is more to life than safety and comfort. Every man knows deep in his heart that he has been created to live a heroic life. Every man knows that he is called to live for something bigger than himself. Every man knows that you bring red meat to a Steak Out! Every man knows that real men eat steak! We love you Carl!

Taking Jesus To The Streets

Car Wash

Our equipping staff tried something new this week. On Tuesday, we wrapped up our staff meeting an hour early in order to visit our business neighbors in the immediate area. We went out in five teams and in invited 73 businesses and their employees to stop by today from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM for a free car wash and food.

The turn out wasn't what we hoped for, so we honed our washing skills on over 20 staff and volunteers cars! Several teens and some of our support staff also helped us with the car wash and food. Regardless of the results, it was good for us to get into the neighborhood and to meet our neighbors. We don't want to keep Jesus locked up behind four walls, accessible only to those who enter our doors. We want to take Jesus into our community. We want to take Jesus to the streets.

How about you? How are you taking Jesus into your community? Let's encourage and pray for one another in this great mission!

Then he said to his servants, "The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find." Matthew 22:8-9

A Beautiful Day

Baptism at Palo Lake

What an incredible evening! The food was great, the weather was superb, the worship was uplifting, and the baptisms and testimonies were inspiring. Palo Lake provided a picturesque setting as 29 children and adults identified with Christ through baptism. Click on the picture above to see a slideshow of the picnic and baptism.

There is nothing more beautiful than a life that has been touched by the hand of God. I never get tired of hearing someone share how their life has been transformed by Christ. My heart was touched as fathers baptized their sons and daughters, publicly declaring their faith in Christ. It was an evening of celebration and praise. In more ways that one, it was a beautiful day.

Chicago Skyline

Sharon, Kim, Jon and Josh

We enjoyed having Jason home for the weekend. We drove him back to Chicago on Sunday and took in a baseball game and some other sightseeing. Click on the picture above to see a slideshow of our trip. As you can see, we had a great time.